Vietnamese Adventures Part 1

Vietnamese Adventures Part 1

Vietnam is an amazing country of contrasts from busy cities to quaint villages and farmlands, from tropical rainforests to beautiful beaches and spectacular bays. The people are hard working, friendly and welcoming. I’ll take you on a journey from sunny Saigon to pristine Hanoi by plane, train, car, boat and Vietnam's favourite form of transportation the motorbike.

Saigon

Although officially called Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon proved to be lively, chaotic and fun. We visited the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum and the the Cao Dai Temple by means of motorbike taxi. 

Reunification Palace

Is the former headquarters of the South Vietnamese government during the 60’s and 70’s until the end of the Vietnamese war.

The Reunification Palace

Cao Dai Temple

Cao Dai is a Buddhist sect with elements of Confucianism, Taoism and Christianity. The temple is ornate and colourful, with services held often. 

Vietnamese Food

The variety of flavours used in traditional Vietnamese food is matched by the intricate work put into the presentation, making all meals a "Kodak moment!"

Ice cream sundaes at “Fanny’s” Restaurant. A must go for any food lovers, Saigon has some of the most decadent restaurants and street food to keep you smiling.

The Mekong Delta

Life in the Mekong Delta is much slower and more peaceful. We travelled by boat to a village where a variety of products and crafts are still produced in traditional ways - everything from bricks to toffee, knives, roof thatching and even coffins!

Village life in the Mekong Delta

The Floating Markets

The Mekong River is essential to the Vietnamese' way of life, from travelling to purchasing food and clothing. The floating markets at Gai Be in the Mekong Delta make for congested and bustling waterways.

This is contrasted with the quiet backwaters which we used to reach our home-stay.

At our traditional home-stay we were greeted by our friendly host and served beautiful food. The traditional, stress-free life of the Vietnamese and their kind personalities are truely impressive.